Artist: Kevin Devine
Album: Brother’s Blood
Genre: Folk/Rock
Label: Favorite Gentleman

I must say, Kevin Devine has been on my list of people who need to explode into the music world for quite awhile. Having done well with a string of solo records, Devine’s career really took off following a direct support run with scene heavyweights Brand New a couple year’s back. Now, following some turbulence on the business side of things [getting dropped, finding a new label, etc.], we are given Devine’s newest creation, Brother’s Blood.

Starting off with the Simon and Garfunkel like, “All of Everything, Erased,” Devine quickly brings his songwriting to the forefront. Never underestimate this man’s ability to turn a phrase or tell a story. In fact, many times on Blood it appears that Devine [or Kevin Devine and The Goddamn Band as it is on some tracks] manage to tell us multiple story lines in a matter of minutes. “Time To Burn,” makes another appearance following it’s 7″ debut last political season. This time around Kevin is joined by his band, The Goddamn Band, to make a track already thick with poignant political commentary, really resonate through thoughtful structure and additional instrumentation. However the political and light hearted folk material is quickly forgotten when the song’s centerpiece of sorts, “Brother’s Blood,” comes wondering into the scene. The track sounds thickly influence by Jesse Lacey and crew’s The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, but Devine’s near angelic voice allows him to make it his own. This massive, near 8 minute, song is the one you need to hear if you haven’t found your way to hearing Kevin before. It’s beautiful and hits you to your soul’s core.

As the record continues on, “It’s Only Your Life,” offers commentary on close minded people who seem to think their world revolves around them. It seems laced with hate, but Devine’s light voice makes it seem less so. Then, the storytelling on, “Murphy’s Song,” will have your heart breaking and your fingers twittering new lyrics to say reflect your lives. It’s one of Devine’s most exposed tracks on the record, with lines like, “I’ve never been a joiner, no I’ve quit every team I’ve been on,” paints Devine is a very vulnerable, remorseful light. However, unlike label counterparts Manchester Orchestra, Devine digs his way out of sulk and brings us the pop laced, “I Could Be With Anyone.” This track could be the breakthrough Kevin [or Kdev as we refer to him] has needed for awhile. It’s got all the heart of the rest of his work, but with a more upbeat tempo than most. Definitely single material. Finally, we close out the album with the gorgeous, “Tomorrow’s Just Too Late.” It’s simple, yet elaborate and closes things just the way you want, with Kevin’s ingenious writing and light accompaniment.

I think  Kevin Devine, as well as his Goddamn band need to start packing their bags because Brother’s Blood is going to take them across the world and back. Elegantly written and carefully produced, the record summarizes Devine’s career as well as elevates it to new heights. His writing and playing have never been better. This is it. This is the one to break him. So let me be the firs to apologize to the old school fans because  I think we’re all about to be just another face in the gigantic crowd this group needs to be playing to.

Score: 9/10

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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